Drinks International magazine publishes their list of the World’s Best-Selling Classic Cocktails every January. Even though loads of bars have had to close, there is still a list!
Let’s toast to the 10 Best Classic Cocktails on this year’s list! If you want to know the full list, check it out here.
I’ve included their recipes as well, so you can try them at home!
World's Best-Selling Classic Cocktails of 2021
Number 10 on the countdown this year! I test a hotel bar by the way it makes a Mojito. The mint should be lovingly muddled, not crushed into oblivion. This Brazilian babe of a cocktail took the world by storm in the 1990's and hasn't loosened its grip! The drink of the summer.
Up to 9 this year! This is the cocktail that could! I once heard a bar owner say that if the Aperol Spritz is not on your menu, you are a silly person as they fly out the door! With only three ingredients, it's so easy to make.
The first of two American Whiskey classics on this list. Whether invented in New York or not, the Manhattan is a classic, there is no doubt. Traditionally made with Rye to cut the sweetness of the Sweet Vermouth, the Manhattan makes its hometown proud.
Knocked down a few this year. My grandfather's drink of choice, the Whisky Sour, when made correctly, is a delight. The egg white gives it the foamy head, so if you do want it, remember the hard shake!
Invented in the 1980's as a cocktail that wakes you up and then f**ks you up by one of the most famous barmen in the business, Dick Bradsell, the Espresso Martini is found on every bar menu in the world. Mr. Black makes the fastest recipe, but master the traditional one first!
Up 2 places, thank goodness a tequila cocktail made it into the top 10! Frozen or straight up, salt or no salt, Tommy's or transitional, the Margarita is always on the top of the list! I prefer mine straight up, no salt, if you are buying!
To bastardise the Bard for my own purposes, A Martini by any other name tastes as good. Dry, Vesper, Wet, Dirty - it's all a combo of gin or vodka, vermouth and garnish. Start with the classic and then variate away. You'll look hip drinking it any way you choose!
A bartender once told me that the making of the Daiquiri is the true test of anyone who wants to make a living behind the bar. Every so often, order one at your favorite bar to see if they make it as well as you do!
Over 100 years old and still going strong, the Negroni just can't be stopped. The most bitter cocktail on the list, it has to be made right. You would think that would be easy when it only has three ingredients of equal measure! Try it and see if you can do it yourself!
Yep, it's Number 1 - again!! Did you guess already by the photo? The bourbon, sugar, and bitters combination beats them all. Obviously, there is strength in simplicity or the Old-Fashioned wouldn't be so popular. As a bourbon lover myself, I am thrilled with the results!!